Popular around the world, FootGolf is the fun, fast-paced sport of soccer and golf! Plan to attend the FootGolf Grand Opening at the City’s Reidy Creek Golf Course – the fun, fast-paced sport of soccer and golf! It will be held on Saturday, May 7th at Reidy Creek Golf Course, 2300 North Broadway, Escondido and will include:

Escondido Research and Technology Center – East (ERTC) – No change from the following update reported last week: This is a 72,000 square foot medical office building proposed on the east side of Citracado Parkway across from Palomar Medical Center located at 2130 Citracado Parkway. A grading permit has been issued by the Engineering Division. Building plans have been submitted for plan check. The Planning Division has approved a second set of corrected grading plans. The applicant has recently requested to install a temporary paved parking lot in this area to serve the hospital. It is anticipated that a grading plan with defined storm water treatment area(s) will be submitted soon for Planning and Engineering review.

Escondido Research and Technology Center – West (ERTC) – This is a 144,000 sq. ft. development involving two medical office buildings proposed on the west side of Citracado Parkway across from Palomar Medical Center located at 2097 – 2175 Citracado Parkway. A grading permit has been issued by the Engineering Division. The Planning Division has approved the building plans submitted for plan check. A tentative parcel map (TPM) for office condominiums is in process to allow the sale of individual office suites to medical providers. Conditions of approval for the TPM are being finalized and approval is expected soon.

Centerpointe 78 Commercial – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 45,650 sq. ft. supermarket and restaurant located at 925 N. Broadway. The project was approved by the Planning Commission on November 10, 2015. The project was approved by the City Council on December 9, 2015. Staff is waiting for submittal of a revised storm water plan that incorporates recent changes in regulations and is working with the property owner regarding obtaining permits to demolish the existing structure.

Westfield Theater – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 10-auditorium movie theater totaling 57,600 sq. ft. located on the north side of the Westfield Mall. The project was approved by the City Council on November 4, 2015.

Felicita Development, LLC – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 140-unit hotel, and a gas station or office/residential care facility at the southeast corner of Felicita Rd. and Gamble Lane. The applicant and staff met with the architect to discuss building elevations, 5-story height limitations and site design issues given the existing wetland constraints on the property. Additional technical analysis and coordination is needed to address traffic, biology, water and sewer service, geotechnical and storm water concerns, along with a market study for the proposed uses. The applicant met with the wild life agencies and is responding to technical studies needed to complete the application. Tribal consultations are underway.

Springhill Suites – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 105-suite hotel totaling 73,300 sq. ft. located at 200 La Terraza Drive involving 4 stories, a small conference room and an enlarged lobby for serving continental breakfast. A revised set of grading plans have been approved and grading has begun for the parking lot on the adjacent office property which shares a driveway access. Landscaping plans were submitted for review, and department comments are being finalized. Building plans have gone through three reviews with Esgil.

BMW Dealership – No change from the following update reported last week: A Precise Plan application to expand the existing dealership showroom an additional approximately 4,000 square feet and enhance the building façade at 1557 Auto Park Way was approved by the Planning Commission on October 13, 2015. A demolition permit to remove portions of the existing structure has been issues. The project is under construction.

Escondido Auto Park Association – No change from the following update reported last week: The association is proposing to upgrade the existing electronic message sign along I-15. On September 23, 2015, the Economic Development Subcommittee considered a request by the association to enter into an agreement with the City for reimbursement of a portion of the cost of the upgraded sign and expressed support for a five-year agreement based on anticipated public benefit of additional sales tax revenue. Staff has received information for processing.

Ford-Hyundai Dealership Expansion – An expansion involving approximately 13,000 sq. ft. of showroom buildings and 6,700 sq. ft. wash/detail building at 1717-1919 Auto Park Way was approved by the Planning Commission on June 23, 2015. Grading has commenced, the sign plans have been approved, and the Planning and Engineering Divisions have signed off on the building plans.

Trafalgar Square – Aldi Market – This renovation of the Trafalgar Square shopping center includes demolition of the northern shop building and the northern portion of the western building to prepare a site for the construction of an 18,088 square foot, freestanding building for Aldi Market. The plot plan was approved by the Planning Division in June of 2015. Grading and landscape plans have also been approved and grading has commenced on the site. Issuance of the building permit has been withheld pending FEMA approval of a conditional letter of map revision (CLOMR) for the grading design that elevates the building above the flood limits for the adjacent Escondido Creek. FEMA approval was received on May 4, 2016, and all city departments have now authorized issuance of the building permit.

Industrial

Escondido Disposal Inc. – No change from the following update reported last week: The CUP modification to expand the existing facility was approved by the Planning Commission on August 25, 2015. The project has completed its post-approval plan check process; staff has approved the grading and landscape plans. The County has notified the City that the applicant has made its application to the State permitting agency. Storm drain issues improvements that extend through the site are under construction. A revised site plan with updated parking and circulation has been submitted for staff review. Staff is determining the adequacy of the storm water basins. Building plans were received for Phases I and III.

StorQuest – No change from the following update reported last week: This proposed project at 220 W. Mission Avenue involves a 102,500 sq. ft. development with 4-stories, 3 in-line shops and a small office in conjunction with a public storage facility. Correspondence has been mailed to the applicant regarding initial comments and the need for additional information to complete the application. The applicant has been working with staff to modify the vehicle circulation pattern and parking at the front of the building and has indicated that revised plans could be resubmitted as early as this week.

Victory Industrial Development – No change from the following update reported last week: This project involves two industrial buildings totaling 91,000 sq. ft. (one building 55,500 sq. ft., second building 35,500 sq. ft.) located at 2005 Harmony Grove Road and a zone change from residential to Planned Industrial consistent with the updated General Plan. Revised maps and technical studies have been submitted for review. Design review has been completed and the project is progressing through the environmental review phase including coordinating revisions to the traffic study.

Micro-Filtration Reverse Osmosis – The proposed project involves a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for the development of a new city facility at 2512 E. Washington Avenue to provide advanced treatment for Title 22 quality recycled water produced at the City of Escondido’s Hale Avenue Resource Recovery Facility (HARRF) for agricultural uses. The facility would be sized for a total production capacity of 2.0 million gallons per day (mgd) and consists of two separate buildings (one building 14,440 sq. ft., second building 21,775 sq. ft.) that would contain a variety of equipment, pumps, electrical, control and storage rooms. Underground storage tanks (90,000 gallon feed tank, 163,000 gallon inter-process tank, and a 970,000 gallon product storage tank) are also included. Public environmental review commenced concluded on April 6, 2016. The Planning Commission recommended denial of the proposed Conditional Use Permit on April 26, 2016. The Utilities Department has filed an appeal of that decision with the City Clerk. It is anticipated the City Council will consider the appeal on May 25, 2016.

Wastewater Collections Yard Expansion – The project involves development of 1.8 acres of a larger, approximately 15.4-acre site for the construction of a new wastewater collections yard and maintenance facility for the City’s Hale Avenue Resource Recovery Facility (HARRF) at 1521 S. Hale Avenue. The proposed facilities will consist of three separate pre-fabricated metal buildings 3,735 sq. ft. - 5,670 sq. ft. for collections; work bays and workshops for regular maintenance of vehicles and equipment. The project would require the processing of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and rezone. Public environmental review commenced on March 22, 2016 and concluded on April 20, 2016. A Planning Commission hearing has been scheduled for May 10, 2016 with a City Council hearing anticipated in June.

Institutional

John Paul the Great Catholic University – No change from the following update reported last week: A Conditional Use Permit to expand the campus and student enrollment at 155 W. Grand Avenue was approved by the Planning Commission on December 8, 2015. The proposal includes improvements to the former H. Johnson Building at 131 S. Broadway for studio and classroom space, and the former bank at 200 W. Grand Avenue for administrative offices and a student resource center. The proposed expansion would also increase the student enrollment from 300 to 1,200 students over the next several years. Staff has confirmed the availability of water and sewer connections. Staff recently met with the University President regarding potential future expansion plans beyond those previously approved.

Calvin Christian Middle/High School – No change from the following update reported last week: The project is an expansion involving a 15,500 SF auditorium, multi-use conference center, classrooms, terraces and walkways located at 2000 N. Broadway. The grading plans have been approved and a building permit was issued on April 11, 2016.

Escondido United Reformed Church – No change from the following update reported last week: The project is an expansion for a phased, multi-year, master construction/development plan for a new 12,250 SF two-story sanctuary, conversion of existing buildings to a social hall, demolition of an existing social hall/classroom building (approx. 4,620 SF) and construction of approximately 5,250 SF for a nursery, multi-purpose room, classrooms for Sunday school and other associated activities, and bathrooms, and an enclosed 1,835 SF central Atrium/Narthex at 1864 N. Broadway. Building plans have been submitted for review and comment for portions of project, revised architectural designs for the sanctuary have been submitted for review; the grading plans have been approved.

Residential

Oak Creek (NUW) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 65-unit single family development located at the southeastern corner of Felicita Road and Hamilton Lane. The LAFCO Board unanimously approved the annexation on October 5, 2015. Staff has returned documents to LAFCO memorializing their action that included final paperwork to be completed prior to annexation recordation.

Amanda Estates (NUW) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 22-unit single family development on Amanda Lane. The LAFCO Board approved the reorganization (annexation) at their meeting on August 3, 2015. Staff has returned documents to LAFCO memorializing their action that included final paperwork to be completed prior to annexation recordation.

Pradera – No change from the following update reported last week: This project consists of a 70-unit single family development located at the northeastern corner of Ash Street and Lehner Avenue. Grading and construction are underway. Three, two-story model homes have been completed and the model complex opened to the public on January 30, 2016. An additional two-story model (Plan 5) has been added to the unit mix and will soon be under construction. A single-story unit will be marketed with this development, but no model home for the single-story unit will be constructed. The developer obtained building permits for the first and second phases involving 16 units and those phases are under construction. Plans for a third and fourth phase have been submitted for review, bringing the total number of units built or under construction to 36.

KB Homes/ Lexington (Zenner) - The project is a 40-unit, single-family development at the northeastern corner of Lehner Avenue and Vista Avenue. The applicant has submitted the final map, improvement plans and grading plans for staff review and approval. Staff has approved the home designs and plans for constructing an off-site model complex on three separate parcels near the project are nearing completion for staff approval. A permit has been issued for the model home sales trailer. Proposed street names have been released by the Planning Division for review and concurrence by other agencies.

Stella Park Condominiums – This project is a 65-unit townhome Planned Development located at 2516 S. Escondido Blvd. The Planning Commission recommended denial of the proposal on March 22, 2016. The City Council considered the recommendation of the Planning Commission and approved the project on April 27, 2016, based on conformance with the General Plan.

Wohlford – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 55-unit single family development located on Bear Valley Parkway east of Encino Drive. Staff has reviewed submittals and technical reports from the applicant. A Specific Alignment Plan for Bear Valley Parkway detailing the proposed roadway design is under review. The Cultural Resources study has been completed and is being reviewed by staff and the EIR consultant. The consultant has reviewed the applicant’s other technical reports and has provided comments for revisions and has commenced by-weekly status meetings as the document preparation gets underway. Preparation of the project EIR is on schedule.

Latitude II – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 112-unit multi-family development, located at the northeastern corner of Centre City Parkway and Washington Avenue, and approved by the City Council on August 19, 2015. A Final Subdivision Map has been submitted for review. The applicant will be submitting a boundary adjustment for a property exchange with the adjacent motel owner. Grading plans are nearing approval. Comments have been provided regarding the architectural plans that have been submitted for plan check. The CC&Rs and landscaping plans have been submitted for review.

Canyon Grove Estates (Tract 932) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 179-lot single family residential development on the north side of Vista Avenue east of Conway Drive. Staff approved the substantial conformance determination for the revised tentative map and continues to coordinate with the applicant on the Precise Plan application for final architectural design and landscaping. The applicant has concluded the purchase of mitigation credits at Daley Ranch, and is pursuing acquisitions needed for offsite improvements. A grading permit has been issued and contractors are clearing the site in areas slated for development. The applicant is coordinating the plan review for off-site street improvements on Ash Street with the County’s Department of Public Works.

Safari Highlands – This project is a 550-unit single family development located east of the Rancho San Pasqual community and north of the San Diego Safari Park. The project involves 1,100 acres including annexation and Sphere of Influence update for a master planned community with parks, trails, recreation center, fire station, open space, on-site sewer facility for treating a portion of the on-site wastewater for irrigation purposes. Planning and Engineering extensions of staff have been funded by the applicant and retained to assist the City in processing the project. Staff met with a representative of the Fish and Wildlife Department to discuss the project. Other outreach efforts have included City of San Diego, San Diego Zoo Safari Park representatives, public agencies and surrounding residents. The City Council approved the consultant contract for preparing the EIR on March 23, 2016. The consultant, Michael Baker International, has now been authorized to start work on the EIR. More information about this project is on line at: http://www.escondido.org/safari-highlands-ranch-specific-plan.aspx

High Pointe (Palos Vista Neighborhood 3) – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a custom-home development with 39 estate lots accessed from Mesa Rock Road. Staff has prepared a bond and fee letter based on the proposed grading and landscape plans, and has sent it to the applicant.

Paseo Escondido – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a mixed-use 122-unit multi-family planned development at the southeastern corner of Ash Street and Washington Ave. The proposed project consists of 26 one-bedroom and 96 two-bedroom apartments in three four-story buildings, and two 5,000 SF commercial buildings (10,000 SF total) oriented around an outdoor plaza. Additional submittals are required to complete the application and the applicant has completed coring and sampling as part of soils analysis. The applicant has been advised to meet with and SDGE planner regarding the overhead utility lines.

Del Prado (former Woody’s site) – This project is a 113-unit townhome-style Planned Development located at the southwestern corner of Brotherton Road and the Centre City Parkway frontage road. The project includes a recreational facility, pool, and open space areas. Staff worked through various site design and utility issues with the applicant prior to scheduling the project for a public hearing. The Planning Commission recommended denial of the project on April 12, 2016. The City Council will consider the project on May 11, 2016.

Solutions for Change – This project is a Planned Development application for 33 affordable multi-family units. It was approved by the Planning Commission on October 13, 2015, and by the City Council on November 18, 2015. Building plans have been submitted for review and approved by Esgil (contracted plan check firm). Staff has preliminarily accepted minor redesign efforts to meet construction costs and is working with the applicant to ensure state financing remains available for the project. The funding for the property acquisition has been completed. A demolition permit for the existing structures on the site has been issued. The building permit is ready to be issued once the fee deferral agreement is signed and additional bonding is in place.

701 San Pasqual Valley Rd – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a 19-unit single family development located at 1201 E. 5th Avenue (formerly Tract 898) on 7.2 acres. The application is under review and a letter detailing additional comments and submittal requirements was forwarded to the applicant.

Veterans Village of San Diego – No change from the following update reported last week: This project is a mixed-use development involving a 54-unit affordable multi-family residential apartment project for military veterans and their families. It includes on-site administration office, business center, club house and other support spaces for the residents; and a small commercial component to support training opportunities offered at the facility at 1556 S. Escondido Boulevard. Building plans have been submitted for review and comment; the grading plans and landscaping plans have been approved.

Escondido Gateway – This project is a mixed-use development involving 126 residential units within three, 4-5 story buildings with indoor and outdoor recreational areas and an opportunity for a small (1,000 sq. ft.) commercial/flex space on 2.6 acres (48 dwelling units/acre) located at 700 W. Grand Avenue (former Police Station) across the street from the Escondido Transit Center. Plans were submitted for the project involving a Specific Plan Amendment, Tentative Map, Planned Development and Development Agreement. Revised plans from the applicant intended to address earlier staff comments were submitted to the Planning Division on May 2 and distributed to the other departments for review.

City Plaza – No change from the following update reported last week: This long dormant, partially constructed mixed-use development at the southeastern corner of South Escondido Boulevard and Third Avenue now has new ownership. The new owners have met with city staff and indicated they quickly plan to start constructing the 65-unit apartment project as originally approved. The project consists of a three-story building with 51,200 SF of residential area and 4,100 SF of commercial area and two levels of parking. The building permits will need to be reissued and the applicant is coordinating that process with the Building Official.

Building Division:

The Building Department issued 69 permits with a total valuation of $361,012.

20 photovoltaic permits were issued for the week. The Building Division has issued 464 solar permits this year compared to 285 issued for the same time last year.

The Building Department staff had another busy week. Inspectors averaged 31 inspections per day with 21 inspections on Friday. Our building counter staff was also busy, averaging 36 counter sign-ins per day and 33 on Friday. 45 customers came to the building counter on Wednesday.

The temporary sales trailer plan for KB Homes was submitted for review this week.

Plans were submitted for a new single family home at 1135 E. 3rd Ave.

The Taco Bell at 627 N Escondido Blvd is requesting a final inspection for their new buildings.

The 76-unit apartment complex at 2416 S Escondido is requesting final inspection and occupancy for Building # 2. Building # 3 is scheduling for inspection next week.

The Solutions for Change affordable housing project at 1560 S Escondido Blvd is ready for permit issuance with Engineering approval.

A notice was posted at the building counter requesting that contractors present any residential solar revisions to the building inspector at the time of inspection in lieu of submitting revisions at the building counter. This change of policy was implemented due to the increase and frequency of solar revisions.

Code Enforcement:

As of April 19, 2016, the total number of open code enforcement cases is 453 cases. During the prior week, 71 new cases were opened, and 67 cases were closed, with a backlog of an additional 68 cases not yet opened for assignment and investigation.

There were 44 illegal signs confiscated during the weekend.

Last week the Business License Division issued 16 new licenses and received 37 new applications, in addition to 184 renewals.

CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS

Kit Carson Hockey Rink Improvements:The roof vent installation has been completed on one of the hockey rink buildings. The remaining 10 roof vent units will be installed by the close of work Friday, May 6.

Grape Day Park Playground:The contractor has begun to install irrigation systems for the project. The repair to the Vinehenge structure which is located within the foot print of the new project has not begun.

Future Capital Improvements:

FY 15/16 Street Rehabilitation and Maintenance Project:Bids for this project are due May 5. Staff will seek City Council’s authorization to award at the May 25th meeting, and anticipates that construction will begin in early to late June 2016.

Private Development

Bear Valley Parkway between Boyle Avenue and San Pasqual Valley Road (County Project):The installation of the irrigation system is continuing this week along Bear Valley Parkway from Idaho Avenue to Lloyd Place to the north. The last section of old Bear Valley Parkway had concrete curb installed for the median curb from Suburban Hills Drive south to San Pasqual Valley Road. The installation of the concrete median curb completes this item of work at 3,916’ installed. The traffic signal contractor is continuing to work on the new signal for the Boyle Avenue intersection.

2412 South Escondido Boulevard:No changes from the following update reported last week: This project is nearing completion with the first of three building released for occupancy.

Pradera - Lennar Communities:Base asphalt pavement was placed on Monday of this week along street “C”. The testing of the new water main is continuing this week for street “C Plan reviews and approvals continued on this project as follows:

The Precise Grading plans and Improvement plans for Street “B” were returned to the engineer on April 29th.

The 2nd submittal of the Final Maps for Streets “A” & “B” was made on April 22nd and are being reviewed by the City’s consultant.

The Precise Grading plans for Street “C” are now ready to be submitted on mylar with very minor changes.

The revision to the Model Home Landscape plans was approved on April 28th.

Lexington Model Homes - KB Homes:The contractor is installing sewer laterals for the new model home sites this week.Plan reviews and approvals continued on this project as follows:

The 2nd submittal of the grading plans for the Model Homes was made on April 18th.

Rincon del Diablo 8” & 12” Water Main Construction:The contractor has completed all surface restoration along the project route. The testing of the new water main is continuing this week.

Tract 932 - Canyon Grove Shea Homes Community:The mass grading of the site continues this week, with the work force concentrating on the extension of Vista Avenue.Plan reviews and approvals continued on this project as follows:

A Final Bond and Fee Letter was issued on April 20th.

The City accepted the onsite R/W dedication last week and sent it for recording.

The 4th submittal of the onsite improvement plans was made on April 29th and will hopefully be approved by the end of this week.

San Diego Gas & Electric gas main replacement Ash Street:Pot holing of the utilities has been completed, with construction of the new pipeline to begin this week.

Private Development –Current Plan Review

Tract SUB14-0002 – Lexington by KB Homes (Zenner):This project is a 40-lot residential subdivision located primarily along Vista Ave and Lehner Ave and this project will cul-de-sac Lehner Avenue and also will vacate an unnamed and untraveled public R/W when developed. KB Homes has acquired this project and has just begun to process the final engineering. KB Homes has also purchased 3 existing vacant lots that they are developing as their model homes (see above) for this project.

The 1st submittal of the Rough Grading plans, Improvement plans, Storm Water and Drainage Reports, and the Final Map were made on March 29th and this first review should be returned to the engineer this week.

Tract SUB15-0003 – Latitude II Condominiums by a Lyon Homes Partnership:This project is a 112-unit residential condominium subdivision located at the N/E corner of Centre City Parkway and Washington Ave. The primary access to the project will be via a new entrance off of Centre City Pkwy. Also this project will construct a large box culvert storm drain to route existing storm water flows through the project. There are a few private and public easement quitclaims and a property swap that must be completed to build the project as planned.

The 2nd check of the Traffic Signal Modification plan for the Washington Ave and Centre City Parkway intersection widening will be returned to the engineer this week.

The 1st review of the CC&Rs was completed last week.

Solutions for Change Housing:This project is a 3-story 34-unit low income/transitional housing project located on S. Escondido Blvd. just south of 15th Ave. This project also has a small commercial office space component that will be subdivided off by “air space” Parcel Map for tax financing reasons.

The 3rd submittal of the improvement plans will be completed this week.

The Engineering review fees and cash clean-up deposit were paid last week, but the bonding for the public improvements still needs to happen prior to approval of the improvement plans or release of the Building Permit.

Tract 877 – Bernardo Ave. – Ambient CommunitiesThis project is a 13-lot single-family residential project located at the cul-de-sac end of the Bernardo Avenue/ I-15 frontage road and will extend it and reconstruct the emergency access gate further south. The project was recently reactivated and revised to meet new storm water standards and optimize the site grading.

The 1st submittal of the whole revised final engineering package was made on April 19th and will be reviewed by mid-May.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Police:

Incidents

4/25/2016, Officer Spinos was at Palomar Medical Center when he noticed a suspect wanted in a robbery. The suspect was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Vista Detention Facility for robbery.

On 4/26/2016, patrol officers assisted the Fire Department with traffic control and evacuations for a fire alarm in the 1600 block of E. Valley Pkwy.

On 4/28/2016, Detective Rodelo witnessed two gang members tinkering with the ignition of a vehicle. The vehicle fled the area when officers attempted to stop it. The pursuit lasted a short while until the two suspects abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot. The suspects were not located but additional information was developed to identify the suspects. The investigation in ongoing.

On 04/30/2016, Officer Fidel located a wanted suspect walking down the street in the 900 block of Erica St. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. The suspect was booked into the Vista Detention Facility for spousal abuse and robbery.

Events

On 4/28/2016, Chief Craig Carter was recognized as a Distinguished Citizen by the Boy Scout during a luncheon at the California Center for the Arts.

On 4/30/2016, Officers from the Escondido Police Department assisted San Diego Star PAL with Draft Day 2016 at Qualcomm Stadium. Children, three years old and up, were led through the course by Charger’s personnel and officers from the Escondido Police Department. At the end of the day, more than a hundred children went through the course. The officers that participated in the event were Officer Adan Martinez, Officer Thomas Lussenden, Detective Marco Sevilla and Lieutenant Al Owens.